Loading...
Tony Popovic
6
Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
Australia earned direct qualification for the first time since 2014 and bring their usual competitive edge into a difficult Group D.
Read full team guide →Pick every match, earn points, and challenge your friends. Predictions lock June 11.
Australia secured a sixth successive World Cup appearance on 10 June by coming from behind to beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah, according to FIFA's official qualified-teams tracker. The result also marked something notable for the Socceroos: it was the first time they qualified directly since the 2014 cycle rather than through intercontinental drama.
Midfielder
St. Pauli
Irvine remains one of the emotional leaders of the squad and still gives Australia late runs, pressing and edge in midfield.
Midfielder
St. Pauli
Metcalfe adds energy and progression from central areas, helping Australia avoid becoming too direct too early.
Defender
Leicester City
Souttar's size and aerial dominance remain central to how Australia defend the box and attack set pieces.
Goalkeeper
Roma
Ryan's experience matters enormously for a team that often finds itself in close, pressure-heavy qualification and tournament matches.
Forward
Hibernian
Boyle offers direct running and width, giving Australia a route into matches that does not depend on long settled possession spells.
Times automatically adjust to your local timezone.